FORT KNOX, KY. – The Cadets of Fourth Regiment Advanced Camp got their equipment for Cadet Summer Training at the Central Issue Facility on June 10.
“First, they (cadre members) defined the equipment.,” said Cadet Hayden Blankenship of Delta Company Fourth Platoon from Arkansas State University Jonesboro. “After defining it and telling us exactly its main use, they showed us how to use it. After that, we got issued our own equipment. Then, they put it on us.”
Cadet Aalia Brown, Morgan State University, is helped by Cadre member 2nd Lt. Alec Cummings, commissioned from Sienna College, during equipment layout at Central Issue Facility (CIF) on Fort Knox, Ky., June 10. CIF issues all Cadets and cadre equipment for use during CST. (Photo by Mattie Cook)
Cadets get their equipment before training to ensure they can complete their missions in the field. It’s the lieutenants’ responsibility to make sure the Cadets have serviceable equipment before CST.
“You see a lost Cadet and you kind of explain to them what’s going on,” said 2nd Lt. Brendan Burch of First Regiment Bravo Company. “You assure them that it’s going to be fine and what’s going on has a purpose. It’s helpful to be on the other side and give that guidance and experience that I have to the Cadets.”
Cadet Lauren Lane, New Mexico State University, is helped by a Cadre member during equipment layout at the Central Issue Facility (CIF) on Fort Knox, Ky., June 10. CIF issues all Cadets and cadre equipment for use during CST. (Photo by Mattie Cook)
Cadre members have all gone through the CIF in the past. They have either gone through basic camp or basic training before.
“As far as CIF is concerned, the staff here runs it,” Burch said. “Cadets are expected to perform a certain way. They go through the line, listen to directions, get the equipment, get in and get out.”
Cadets are mentored by Cadre throughout CST. Cadre members assess the Cadets, teach them how to be future officers in the Army and ensure Cadets have the proper equipment.
“If future lieutenants can’t keep account of their own equipment, how can they be expected to keep account of their platoons?” Burch said.
Cadet Summer Training will bring over 8,000 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp at Fort Knox this summer. The camps are designed to help Cadets become future leaders in the Army. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or are interested in a job after college, click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
